Romford Festival

Burnham visited the Romford festival for the last time on Sunday and wanted to go out with a bang. First up was Billericay and we started very strong, predictably Gillett started things off getting on the score sheet within the first couple of minutes. The first half was one way traffic with Hull, Jones, Duce, Beales and Bladen all going over some more than once. The second half and a change around to rest some players slowed things down slightly and a resurgent Billericay started to fight back. Some good defensive work by Mangan, Clarke and Bowyer kept the score line and prevented Billericay from scoring, result 9-0. The second game was much a repeat of the first strong going forward and equally strong in defence, although Bancroft managed to get one across the line the result was still impressive 5-1. Then came Barking, always a strong contest, Burnham started well again with Gillet getting over the line once again. The game was flowing nicely and we were playing some nice strong rugby, however on an attack from Barking both Jones and Duce came into defend and unfortunately Jones suffered going down hard in the tackle and unfortunately not getting up. The game was halted and Jones was assessed by both team and Romford medics and was decided that he needed more medical attention which meant cancelling the game. During the time waiting both Barking and Burnham teams rallied around and as he was taken away gave him a round or applause in support, true rugby spirit. The final game against Upminster was played but the boys didn’t have the frame of mind and against a team that were also unbeaten all day is was not meant to be. The rugby played was great all day and the team is looking good for next year when we enter into a league structure. No more festivals for us but we went out fighting.